Council Connections – February 2015

Posted on: February 16th, 2015 in National Council

Month of the Scholar Edition

By Erika McManus Bukva, Delta Rho (National Vice President)

In August, the National Council gathered at our Headquarters in Indianapolis for our semi-annual meeting. During some free time while we waited for dinner, National Vice President Kristin Walker and I had some fun digging in old, casebound copies of THE ANCHOR. We were surprised and tickled to almost immediately find ourselves in the listing for the collegiate AST National Foundation scholarship recipients for 2002. I’ve known Kristin since a long-ago National Convention, and it was fun to reflect on our journeys in Alpha Sigma Tau.

National Vice Presidents Erika McManus Bukva (left) and Kristin Walker (right)
National Vice Presidents Erika McManus Bukva (left) and Kristin Walker (right)

I was one of multiple members of my newly-installed chapter to receive Foundation scholarships over the years. Back then it seemed like an extraordinary statement to have our Sorority investing in our education. Talk about “putting your money where your mouth is”! It is still extraordinary to me today, and I am proud to support the National Foundation scholarships by being a regular donor. But Alpha Sigma Tau also invests in us by preparing members to lead well-rounded, fulfilling lives.

February is the National Panhellenic Conference’s Month of the Scholar, which aims to promote academic excellence and integrity. Studies show that sorority membership nearly doubles the likelihood of a student graduating college within four years. Two-thirds of Alpha Sigma Tau chapters have a GPA above the all-women’s average on their campus. In addition to academic pursuits, our core value of intellect guides us to pursue and cultivate knowledge, wisdom, truth, and culture. This is a lifelong endeavor that benefits our families and communities.

So as I thought about intellect and how as an Alpha Sigma Tau Sister, I am cultivating my knowledge, I thought:  What have I mastered? What activity or subject has been an area of growth for me, especially after college? And of course, I came up with nothing. Yikes! What kind of an example am I setting?

With the help of a friend, I realized that the important word is “lifelong.” It used to be about studying economics or sociology to get a good grade. Now, it’s about being an informed citizen, seeking out professional development opportunities, reading and practicing how to be a better parent and wife, and understanding a friend’s struggle and how to help (or simply empathize). It’s also about taking on challenges outside of your comfort zone and meeting new people. There are so many ways we achieve the fulfillment of self that, as Alpha Sigma Taus, we aspire to.

Reflect on the ways you’ve grown and all there is out there to learn!